The Villainess Is Too Difficult

Indeed, it’s interesting. Reinhardt couldn’t take his eyes off Ariel all day. The Imperial family always tries to show no openings. Reinhardt, born and raised in a suffocatingly stuffy place, was used to the rigid atmosphere. Or more accurately, he had adapted to it.

A place full of wolves ready to pounce at any sign of weakness. That’s how Reinhardt could summarize the Imperial palace. Although he was still not old enough to enter the Academy, as the future leader of the Empire receiving the Emperor’s gifted education, he had become accustomed to life in the Imperial family.

For Reinhardt, who had only seen the Imperial family, Ariel’s existence was incredibly refreshing.

Showing an intense reaction when trying to drink tea, only to whimper that she just burned her tongue on the hot tea (though she would vehemently deny it), unconsciously responding with a blank face, or following behind with small steps while walking in the corridor.

‘Interesting.’

There was no trace left of the ‘Ariel Walpurgis’ that Reinhardt knew. The existence that only knew how to wield authority and clung to him annoyingly, essentially no different from baggage, had disappeared, leaving only a naive young lady worth watching.

“Mmm mmm…”

The sight of Ariel eating with a blissfully happy face, as if the food was delicious, was jarring in many ways for someone who knew her before.

“Eat slowly, Ariel.”

“It’s fine, Brother.”

“Speak after you finish eating.”

How is she a duke’s daughter when she’s speaking with her cheeks puffed up like a hamster? Moreover, this didn’t seem to be a one-time occurrence, as Theodore only said one word and didn’t say anything more.

Objectively speaking, it’s undignified. It’s disrespectful. It’s messy. One could endlessly spout negative words. Of course, Reinhardt had said before the meal that she could be comfortable and act as usual, but even so, this level of relaxation crossed the line.

However, looking at Ariel, Reinhardt received a much better impression than before.

‘She’s honest.’

The current Ariel is honest with her emotions and deals with others without pretense. For Reinhardt, who was born and raised in the Imperial family and used to countless schemes, such unblemished purity was interesting in many ways.

“Ah, ahem…”

Ariel, who had finished eating and was moving her utensils again, met Reinhardt’s gaze as he was observing her. Ariel quickly composed her expression and calmly resumed eating.

The meal that followed was conducted with the dignified and elegant manners befitting a duke’s daughter. As if her behavior up until now had been a lie, she displayed etiquette worthy of the name of a duke’s daughter. Perhaps she became conscious of his gaze just now.

However…

‘There’s sauce on the corner of her mouth, though.’

Reinhardt deliberately didn’t mention this fact.

“I’ve been in your care. I’ll be taking my leave now.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

As Reinhardt left the Walpurgis mansion with the knight he had waiting, Theodore and Ariel came out to see him off at the door. Theodore stood as flawlessly as ever, but Ariel seemed somewhat distracted.

‘Is she tired?’

It’s not strange. Unlike before, Reinhardt had spent quite some time at the mansion. But for that Ariel to feel tired during the time spent with Reinhardt. It’s surprising no matter how many times he sees it.

But it’s not good to keep feeling surprised. Even if she’s his subordinate, there’s a minimum level of courtesy, so he should gradually get used to it.

“Lady Walpurgis.”

“Yes… Yes? Your Highness.”

Ariel, who seemed to have just returned to reality at the sound of his voice. Reinhardt didn’t bother to point this out and went straight to the point.

“I’ll come again next time.”

“Pardon?”

Seeing Ariel’s expression as if she had heard shocking news, Reinhardt unconsciously spoke in a somewhat amused mood.

“We need to check on your and my condition at least once before the entrance exam, you see.”

“Your, Your Highness. There’s no need to go that far…”

“Then, I’ll see you next time.”

“Your Highness?”

Completely ignoring Ariel’s response, Reinhardt left the Walpurgis mansion.

“Did you like her?”

At the knight’s question, Reinhardt paused for a moment.

“If you’re asking if I liked her as a woman, I’m not sure, but in another sense… I could say she’s interesting.”

“Interesting?”

“Yes.”

Her seemingly distracted behavior in front of royalty seemed to need correction in many ways, but Reinhardt actually preferred seeing her like that. At least it’s much better than those raccoons who desperately try not to show any openings while armed with pretense, isn’t it?

“She’s an interesting woman in many ways.”

Seeing his lips twitch unconsciously, the knight remained silent for a moment. Reinhardt, who was always flawless at the Imperial palace, befitting the son of the Emperor known as the Iron Blood, showed a particularly relaxed appearance in front of the Walpurgis young lady.

Considering that they’re engaged, this is certainly a good sign. But for someone who knows Ariel’s past, he couldn’t help but feel somewhat uneasy.

People don’t change so easily. Although it’s said that she’s become a completely different person due to memory loss, as the saying goes, who knows when she might return to her original self.

“Your Highness. If the young lady regains her memories…”

“Then I too will return to how I was.”

Reinhardt resolved the knight’s concern in one go. If Ariel acts like she used to, he would simply do the same. As if it were nothing.

“I understand.”

If his lord has made up his mind, there’s nothing more for a servant to say. If that path were wrong, he would risk his life to give loyal advice, but even the knight himself thought that Reinhardt’s attitude was most appropriate for now.

Of course, Reinhardt is showing an unbelievably relaxed appearance in front of Ariel right now. Just today, didn’t he say he would come again next time? As a knight, it was very unfamiliar to see him promise a next time for something that wasn’t even an official matter.

“It’s a strange feeling.”

It was equally unfamiliar for Reinhardt too. It’s not boring when he’s with her. That was the extent of the feelings he had for Ariel so far.

But that was enough. Like finding a cool shade on a hot summer day, Reinhardt was gradually becoming more comfortable with the time spent with Ariel.

That’s why he deliberately made a promise to meet again next time. In fact, how difficult could the Academy entrance exam be? Although theoretical study is important, what the Academy focuses on the most is ultimately talent.

Ariel applied for the magic department. As the Walpurgis family is renowned for magic, this was only natural. And Reinhardt, for swordsmanship. Both were their specialties.

In fact, he was confident he wouldn’t fail even if he took the exam right now. Let alone a mid-term check. It wasn’t just unnecessary, it was a waste of time.

But Reinhardt deliberately made an appointment. Even he didn’t understand why. He just wanted to meet her again next time. It was an impulsive act based solely on that thought.

‘I wonder what kind of appearance she’ll show next time we meet…’

Reinhardt recalled the various faces Ariel had shown today. Ah, this won’t do. The corners of his mouth can no longer be controlled.

“Kuk kuk…”

“Your Highness?”

“No, it’s nothing. Kuk kuk…”

The knight looked worriedly at his lord who had burst into laughter without realizing it. But Reinhardt couldn’t hold it in any longer.

Good heavens, such a silly-looking Ariel! It was a rare scene he wanted to capture in a painting. The funniest part was her brazen look, believing she had perfectly composed herself. Remembering that, even Reinhardt couldn’t help but laugh.

“Let’s depart.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The knight’s expression became increasingly puzzled at the laughter coming from the carriage as they boarded, but Reinhardt didn’t bother to explain. There was no need to explain in the first place.

‘Ariel Walpurgis.’

He’s already looking forward to it. What kind of appearance will she show at the entrance exam? No, what kind of appearance will she show before that?

When he probed Theodore, surprisingly, the answer came back that Ariel’s skills were improving day by day. It means that unlike her naive appearance, her skills are the real deal. If that was said not as a family member but as a swordsman…

‘There’s no reason not to keep her close.’

Reinhardt dislikes those without ability. Those who try to show off without having any ability. He distances himself from those without will. But for those who have ability and don’t neglect training. For those who have the will to look forward and advance.

Reinhardt can willingly support them. Especially like now, if they’re already nearby, he can consider bringing them even closer.

‘If she has the ability, the position of Crown Princess is essentially unchanged.’

Thinking thoughts that would horrify Ariel herself if she heard them, the Crown Prince leaned back against the carriage seat.